As a Postal Inspector, you’re likely to work in an office environment (like the post office), but in some cases, you may hit the streets to investigate a crime. Using your background in English, communications, criminal justice, and psychology, you solve mysteries and crimes involving the mail.

For example, when a high-profile company executive receives a suspicious package in the mail, authorities are likely to be called in. After you determine that the package contains a harmful substance, your job as Postal Inspector begins. You begin digging up information about the sender, the package, and its intent. All of the information you collect is used in court to prosecute the parties involved in using the mail system to commit a crime.

Like other law enforcement workers, you’re expected to be in top physical condition to perform your duties. You may walk, run, jog, climb, and bend several times throughout your day, all requiring physical strength and stamina.

Postal Inspectors are required to carry firearms and make arrests, which means a clean criminal history is mandatory. You must also think critically and understand directions as you execute search warrants and follow federal guidelines. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are required as well, since you’re often called to provide testimony in court and write detailed reports about your activities.

Should I be a Postal Inspector?

You should have
a
certificate
degree or higher and share these traits:

Team Player:
You're able to listen, communicate, and work with tons of different people.